Portugal welcomes 352 Blue Flags in 2019

Portugal awarded 352 flags and the Algarve is at the top of the list!

20 More beaches than last year have been given Blue Flags accreditation. The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators.

Out of a total of 352 Blue Flags awarded in Portugal, 317 have been given to coastal beaches while 35 were granted to inland beaches.

Coelha Beach is a blue flag beach!

The Algarve region is on the top of the list with the highest number: 88 Blue Flags! That accounts for one less than in 2018. Praia do Pintadinho had regained the Blue Flag status last year after having lost it in 2017 but, unfortunately, Lagoa municipality failed this year. Still, the 88 Blue Flags is a great success well deserved!

Vale Centeanes beach in Carvoeiro has a blue flag too!

Catarina Gonçalves, coordinator for the Blue Flag Program in Portugal, says that 17 of the new beaches have just entered in the Blue Flag Program. The Blue Flag Program was implemented in Europe in 1987 to promote sustainable development in coastal/inland water environment and beaches. It enforces local authorities and beach operators to achieve high standards in terms of water quality, environmental management, environmental education, safety, services, facilities and accessibility. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of criteria must be met and maintained.

Caneiros Beach is one of the many algarve beaches that has a blue flag